Vinh Thai Pagoda's main hall features a three-bay, two-lean-to architectural style with a tiled roof and five front doors. The structure, damaged multiple times by war and natural disasters, has been restored and renovated since the 1990s. Today, it serves as a religious site and tourist attraction for locals and visitors to Thanh Hoa.

Vinh Thai Pagoda is located in Trung Chinh Commune, Thanh Hoa province, at the foot of Hoang Nghieu Mountain, covering an area of over 3 ha.

According to the Culture and Information Department of Trung Chinh Commune, the pagoda was built in the late 16th century by Mac Dang Khue, a prince of the Mac Dynasty who came to the region to cultivate land and establish villages. Initially, the pagoda was situated near Rieng T-junction. After being damaged multiple times by natural disasters, it was relocated to its current position, which offers a backdrop of the mountain and the Hoang River in front.

The exquisitely carved wooden doors feature Buddhist symbolic motifs such as lotus flowers, clouds, and dragons.

The pagoda features a two-tiered roof, characteristic of Northern Vietnamese pagoda architecture. Sculpted motifs of two dragons flanking the moon adorn the roof ridges and eaves, highlighting the architecture and reflecting a distinctive feature of Vietnamese pagoda art.

The central bay houses gilded Buddha statues, while the left and right sides are dedicated to Bodhisattvas and fallen heroes.

According to the Culture and Information Department of Trung Chinh Commune, the pagoda served as a secret revolutionary base during the resistance war. From 1939-1941, former General Secretary Nguyen Van Linh and poet To Huu were active here. Nguyen Van Linh's handwritten notes are still preserved in the pagoda, serving as a testament to this historical period.

Within the pagoda grounds, numerous stone statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats (pictured) are arranged along the pathways.

Behind the main hall, a path with hundreds of steps winds through the trees, leading up the slope of Hoang Nghieu Mountain. From an altitude of over 40 m, visitors can take in panoramic views of the mountains, rice fields, and villages.

A stupa housing a Bodhisattva statue stands on the slope of Hoang Nghieu Mountain, behind Vinh Thai Pagoda. The structure stands out against the green trees and rocky mountains, serving as a stop for visitors to offer incense and enjoy the scenery.

Vinh Thai Pagoda is located approximately 20 km from Thanh Hoa city center. Visitors can take National Highway 45 towards Nong Cong, then turn onto the provincial road leading to Trung Chinh Commune. From there, it is just a few minutes' drive to the pagoda grounds, which are easily accessible for 16-45 seater vehicles.

In addition to private vehicles, visitors can also travel by train or bus to Thanh Hoa station, then hire a taxi or motorbike to reach the pagoda.

Tuan Anh

Photos: Hoang Giang